a writer with a 'tin ear' for dialogue [=who writes dialogue that does not sound real]
My wife is a talented musician, but I have a 'tin ear'.
a 'tin' of biscuits/tobacco
(..) What about you? Why do you keep stalking me? Go home. Run! Yes, sir. I'm czech... Bologa... what a name. A tin soldier. You know? My husband has a chess table with tin soldiers. And you're a tin soldier! Yes, a soldier that could die in an hour. After taking a good meal at the canteen. (..)1965 Forest of the Hanged